MetroBeat
Volume 3, Issue 3
November, 2011
Walking in Obedience
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Soon after we started the study on Decision Making and the Will of God, one of our Asian Fellowship members made the decision to accept Christ and be baptized. From what she told me later, she had been feeling the promptings toward this for a long time. Yet her choice to do so near the beginning of our study gave us a wonderful example of what it means to walk in obedience to the Spirit’s calling.
I’ve been to many baptisms and have done my own share of baptizing others, but I think sitting in the audience that Sunday morning with several of this young woman’s Chinese and Taiwanese friends (some saved, some unsaved, but all rejoicing) was one of the most moving baptismal ceremonies I have ever attended. It made me realize once again just how blessed I am to be a part of such a dynamic ministry as this one.
We continue to pack out the house every week. Love, laughter, and learning all come together in one tremendous time that everyone looks forward to on Tuesday nights. I am continually amazed at the hard questions people ask me as we open the Word, the transparency that many of them exhibit as they share their personal tales of struggle and failure, the tears of tender hearts touched by what God is revealing to them. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to be vulnerable in front of 20 or more people, but so many of them are willing to do just that.
Would you pray for us that the hearts and minds of our members will continue to remain open? Would you pray that others in the Fellowship that we sense are close to a decision for Christ will make that step of faith?
Prayer Requests
My father died on October 31. You may recall that we came back to the States in 2008 to take care of him and my mother. We are thankful for the years we had with Dad and are rejoicing that he is with Jesus in Heaven and finally at peace. Please pray for the family, though, as we heal from our loss.
We continue to struggle financially. Please pray for hearts to be touched to join our ministry team or increase their support.
Please continue to pray for our work here in Yukon among the Japanese. The girl you prayed for has started to adjust more to life in America. Also, please pray for a young mother in our group to realize her need for Christ.
As always, please pray for Joyce’s heavy workload as wife, mother, and caregiver.
Yours By His Grace,
John and Joyce Roper and Family
